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At Minchinhampton Academy, we understand the importance of learning outside the classroom. There is often nothing better for encouraging a love of learning and an appreciation of our world than learning outside. The benefits of exposure to nature are plenty and well documented, including: enhanced personal and social communication skills; increased physical health; enhanced mental and spiritual health; enhanced spiritual, sensory and aesthetic awareness; self-regulation and resilience; improving children’s levels of concentration; invoking awe and wonder and developing resilience. Children love to be outdoors, getting close to nature and using their senses to explore. It stimulates all their senses, providing skills and confidence for a child’s lifelong learning.  Over the past few years we have developed our school grounds, creating a number of different outdoor learning areas such as Silver Birch Circle and Beech Tree Boulevard.

“Outdoor learning is really fun because you can get to go outside and make things such as fairy houses and dream catchers.”

 

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Story telling at Silver Birch Circle

 

Beech Tree Boulevard

We have an ever developing wildlife area, with it’s willow walls, benches and tables and fire pit and we have a thriving school pond.

Cooking drop scones, bread and toasting marshmallows on the open fire in the wildlife area

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Our school pond has an abundance of minibeasts, frogs, newts and occasionally some ducks.

Nursery also use the school grounds for outdoor learning developing independence, physical skills, critical and creative thinking and working with others.

 

We are also very lucky to be able to use some privately own woodland courtesy of one of our very generous neighbours. Reception children go out to the woodland area every week, whatever the weather (except high winds) as long as we have enough parent helpers!

Reception children get outdoors – October 2021 Year 3/4 Wildlife Area Project

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